Life Saving star Javier Catalá (ESP) is preparing for his third edition of The World Games in July 2022. “This might be my last time, so I am very motivated!” Javier Catalá is our athlete this week Building up to Birmingham!
Catalá started with Life Saving at the age of 8. “Life Saving is a sport that saves lives,” he says. “It’s a rescue sport. I still have the same enthusiasm for the sport as when I was a child.” At The World Games 2022, he aims high: “I will try to be the best version of me: I aim to fight for the medals.” To train, Javier Catala does explosive workouts both in the pool and in the gym. He says the basis for swimming fast with the manikin is leg power and good technique.
Catalá competed at The World Games in 2013 and 2017. “The most emotional moments of my career have been when I broke the national records at both The World Games 2013 in Cali and the 2017 Games in Wroclaw. The World Games 2017 were very special, and there I got the best mark of my life in the qualifying rounds. This year I would like to get close, or even better it.”
At The World Games 2022, the life saver would like to watch the competitions of Finswimming, Sumo and Karate, if he gets the chance. Catala himself competes with fins; he has qualified for two Life Saving events at the Games in Birmingham: 100m Manikin Carry with Fins and 100m Manikin Tow with Fins.
Besides participating in sport, Javier Catalá works as a coordinator in a sports facility and as a lifeguard. He is looking forward to competing in Birmingham in July: “I am very happy that at 32 years old I have been able to qualify for my third Games! I am very excited and motivated.”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
